
Here’s a closer look at the trucking industry statistics highlighting the significance of the backbone of America – truckers.
The trucking industry statistics are truly remarkable. It’s an industry topping $726.4 billion in revenue for 2015 and responsible for six percent of all jobs in America.
If you bought it, they brought it. Truck drivers keep America rolling by driving countless and lonely hours delivering the cargo we desire. Without trucks to ship things, those shelves would be mighty bare and those same-day delivering services from your online shopping wouldn’t be possible without truckers.
Don’t believe us? Check out the trucking industry statistics.
Merge onto any highway and you’ll see countless semi trucks heading in either direction of the road. Seems like they’re endless amounts of them right? You would be correct, in fact 80 percent of all cargo in the USA!

There are 3.5 million truck drivers in the trucking industry who put their life at risk delivering an array of commodities and goods. Drivers operate heavy-duty trucks with a load weighing as much as 80,000 pounds. In 2015, 852 truck drivers lost their life while working, making truck driver the most dangerous job in the USA. So remember to give truck drivers space and don’t tailgate.

Truck drivers haul a variety of goods with machinery, electronic and motorized vehicles making up 27 percent of goods shipped by truck drivers in America. The most common thing trucks haul is machinery, followed by electronics and motorized vehicles. Additionally, mixed freight includes commodities such as food and restaurant supplies.

Let’s face it, without the trucking industry we wouldn’t be able to enjoy the things we have. Shelves would be empty and people would undoubtedly be in a state of panic if that happens. The trucking industry statistics don’t lie!




Understanding Team Truck Driving
[p]Trucking is a hectic job that entails adhering to DOT / HOS regulations which ultimately means you need to stop at some point to comply with the maximum driving hours. With these regulations some truckers often opt to drive with a partner to maximize efficiency. Team truck driving allows one driver to rest while the other one drives. The drivers can switch places with each other multiple times over a journey so that more distance can be covered while time is saved.
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[p]While some truckers love this concept, others prefer to drive solo. In any case, team driving has its perks, and they are significant enough not to be overlooked.
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/TP-BLOG-TeamTruckDriving-1.jpg" alt=""]
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[p][b]How Does Driving With a Partner Work? [/b][/p]
[p]The job is pretty straightforward. One driver drives while the other rests, eats, and sleeps. Each driver has their own duty-time set on a schedule, so there are no arguments regarding shift timings. This significantly reduces the time needed to haul loads from one point to another, and hence that results in better pay. Both drivers receive the benefits of the entire job even when they are spending half their time doing it.[/p]
[p]It is easy to judge from the brief discussion above that team driving has its benefits, but it also has its disadvantages.
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[p][b]Advantages of Team Trucking [/b][/p]
[p]It should be clear by now that for people who love to socialize and work at the same time, team truck driving is the best job to have. You rarely get bored, you always have a partner to keep you entertained and you don’t have to share meals with strangers while you are sitting at a truck stop in the middle of nowhere. But these are just a few perks. Trucking with a partner can result in a lot more advantages.
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<li><strong>More Available Jobs </strong></li>
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[p]Trucking with a partner is like having opened up a new skill that qualifies you and your partner to apply for jobs that would otherwise be unavailable to you if each of you were driving solo. Trucking companies like to save time and love efficiency, which is why they admire the concept of team driving. They are willing to pay you more just so you deliver the goods faster. Moreover, team trucking is a great stepping stone for you if you want to go solo in the future. Partnering up with an experienced campaigner will allow you to access high-paid jobs with relatively zero experience. Once you have the necessary hours and skill needed to go solo, you can end terms with your partner and start your gig.[/p]
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/TP-BLOG-TeamTruckDriving-2.jpg" alt=""]
<li><strong>Consistent Income </strong></li>
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[p]Team driving is a more attractive package for trucking companies. They know they can rely on a team to deliver faster than a solo driver. They say two heads are better than one and that sometimes holds true for trucking. If there are two drivers, there will be more driving than resting and that would mean hopping from one assignment to another. All in all, you will be making more money and that too consistently.[/p]
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[p][b]Disadvantages of Team Trucking [/b][/p]
[p]While the advantages are tempting, especially for an upcoming young driver, some veterans prefer to drive alone, and they have some good reasons for it. [/p]
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<li><strong>The Profits Are Split </strong></li>
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[p]The term team driving is simple to understand. You drive as a team, and that means you equally share the spoils between each other. So while the idea of trucking with a partner seems tempting, it is not might not be feasible in the long-run, especially if you are in it for the money.[/p]
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<li><strong>Undesirable Partner</strong> </li>
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[p]Let's face it. It is not easy to spend a considerable amount of time with another person in a small space, especially if you don't like them. Your partner has to be entertaining or compatible with your level of thinking. If not, it can be very hard to pass time or trust your teammate with the job at hand.[/p]
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[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2020/11/TP-BLOG-TeamTruckDriving-3.jpg" alt=""]
<li><strong>Trouble Sleeping</strong></li>
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[p]As a truck driver, you have been trained not to fall asleep while driving long distances. And now, you have to fall asleep once your shift ends when your partner takes over the wheel. This could be challenging especially if you are not used to sleeping when needed to. Also, you might need to get used to sleeping while listening to some up beat music while your partner drives.[/p]
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[p][b]Closing Thoughts [/b][/p]
[p]Team truck driving is a highly attractive opportunity for new drivers who are looking to add miles and for old drivers who are looking for a partner since they are unable to drive solo. The pay is not that good, but the work is consistent. So team truck driving is recommended until you feel you have the experience to drive your semi or if you are a husband and wife team who love spending time on the road and enjoy an adventure more than the pay. Are you a team driver? Do you have tips for people who want to try team driving? Let us know on the comments.[/p]
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[p][b]By Aldous Aldwin[/b][/p]
A Foodie’s Guide to America’s Best Truck Stops [p]There are a lot of variables to factor in when planning your route. Choosing the most direct path between where you’re coming from and where you’re going seems like a no-brainer, but don’t forget to think about other factors when making your plan. Not only should you consider things like weather, traffic patterns and construction, but it’s also important to think about how you want to spend your time on - and off - the road. Taking breaks for sleeping, food and rest are a necessary part of the job. That’s why it’s important to plan for these things as you choose the best route. If you consider yourself a foodie, then this roundup is for you. We pulled some of the best places for good eating from our annual list of the Top 100 Truck Stops in the U.S. and Canada. From home-cooked flavor to delicious desserts, you may want to swing by one of these truck stops if you happen to pass through town.
<ol>
<li style="margin: 20px 0px;"><strong> Big Horn Travel Center</strong> - Not only is this Fort Worth, Texas, travel center at the top of our list of best truck stops, but it’s also popular among drivers for its Friday night fish fry. The hand-breaded catfish entree comes with hush puppies, coleslaw, a side and dessert for only $9.99. Dessert is usually Gloria’s famous bread pudding made fresh with Dunkin’ Donuts. The general consensus from Big Horn’s Facebook page is that this bread pudding is worth the trip.[br]
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/BigHornTC/">https://www.facebook.com/BigHornTC/</a>[br]<a href="https://www.facebook.com/BigHornTC/">
</a></li>
<li style="margin: 20px 0px;"><strong> BJ’s Travel Center</strong> - If you’re looking for a place to hit up regularly for good barbecue, then BJ’s Travel Center in New Madrid, Mo., just may be the place. This truck stop serves barbecue pork steak, chicken and ribs every day. Truckers love stopping here for some good ol’ home-cooked flavor. [br]<a href="https://www.facebook.com/BJS-Travel-Center-113227608734600/">https://www.facebook.com/BJS-Travel-Center-113227608734600/</a>[br]</li>
<li style="margin: 20px 0px;"><strong> How-Dea Service Center </strong>- How-Dea Service Center brings you a little bit of Belgium, Wis., history with HoBo’s Korner Kitchen. The service center has been around since 1967, while the restaurant opened up in the mid-1980s. Today, HoBo’s still serves brunch every Saturday and Sunday morning, complete with its famous mustripen sausage. This is one of the few places in the country to try this Luxembourgian dish.[br]<a href="http://www.howdea.net">http://www.howdea.net </a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/HoBosKornerKitchen/">https://www.facebook.com/HoBosKornerKitchen/</a>[br]</li>
<li style="margin: 20px 0px;"><strong> Abbyland Travel Center</strong> - If burgers are more your thing, you can’t miss out on the habanero bourbon burger at the Abbyland Travel Center in Curtiss, Wis. It’s a half-pound burger topped with melty pepper jack cheese, bacon, red onion and Abbyland’s special habanero bourbon sauce. If you’re stopping by on a weekend morning, you’ll want to check out Abbyland’s breakfast pizza or one of their seasonal skillets. [br]<a href="https://www.facebook.com/CTCTRKSTP/">https://www.facebook.com/CTCTRKSTP/ </a><a href="http://www.abbylandtravelcenter.com">http://www.abbylandtravelcenter.com</a>[br]</li>
<li style="margin: 20px 0px;"><strong> 19 & 75 Filling Station </strong>- Located in Ivanhoe, Minn., 19&75 Filling Station is known for good food and great service. Not only does this truck stop use fresh ingredients, but even its enchilada and tartar sauces are homemade. Dessert is not to be missed, although you might have a hard time choosing between the freshly-made pies and famous bread pudding.[br]<a href="https://www.facebook.com/1975filingstation/">https://www.facebook.com/1975filingstation/</a>[br]</li>
<li style="margin: 20px 0px;"><strong> Duke’s Travel Plaza </strong>- A stop at Duke’s Travel Plaza in Mount Vernon, Texas, will introduce you to some of the most authentic Texas barbecue around. Make sure you swing by the bakery on your way out for some dessert too.[br]<a href="https://www.facebook.com/dukesmv/">https://www.facebook.com/dukesmv/</a>[br]</li>
<li style="margin: 20px 0px;"><strong> Newborn Truck Stop</strong> - Visiting this place is a must if you’re driving through Tallapoosa, Ga. Newborn Truck Stop will remind you of the truck stops of yesteryear where the staff is friendly, the service is good…and the banana pudding is their best-kept secret.[br]<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NewbornTruckStopTallapoosaGA/">https://www.facebook.com/NewbornTruckStopTallapoosaGA/</a>[br]</li>
<li style="margin: 20px 0px;"><strong> Karde’s 151</strong> - Karde’s 151 in Monticello, Iowa, features its popular Cuban sandwich every Thursday. If you’re not in the mood for the pork-cheese-mustard combo, you can try one of Karde’s hand-patties burgers. Passing through in the morning? The breakfast sandwiches and burritos are made from scratch with real eggs.[br]<a href="https://www.facebook.com/k1five1/">https://www.facebook.com/k1five1/</a>[br]</li>
<li style="margin: 20px 0px;"><strong> Gore’s Travel Plaza</strong> - Sometimes you need to grab food quickly when you’re on the go. We get that when you’re short on time, you need something fast and easy. Gore’s Travel Plaza in Seiling, Okla., has a Sonic drive-thru for truck drivers. It doesn’t get any easier than that. If you have more time on your hands, however, make sure to check out Delizioso Bistro and Coffee Bar at this truck stop. Whether it’s pasta or pizza you’re craving - or just a fancy sip of caffeine - this truck stop has it all.[br]<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/gorestravelplaza/">https://www.facebook.com/pg/gorestravelplaza/</a>[br]<a href="https://goretravel.com">https://goretravel.com</a>[br]</li>
<li style="margin: 20px 0px;"><strong> Woody’s Smokehouse Shell</strong> - It’s not just the barbecue that gets five stars at Woody’s Smokehouse. Be sure to check out the house-smoked meats and jerky, and freshly-baked breads. If your route doesn’t take you through Centerville, Texas, Woody’s will ship your order to your doorstep.[br]<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Woodys.Smokehouse/">https://www.facebook.com/Woodys.Smokehouse/</a>[br]<a href="https://woodys-smokehouse.com">https://woodys-smokehouse.com</a>[br]</li>
</ol>
Adding any of these places to your next route? Let us know when you stop by and what you order!
California Approves Fuel Tax Increase to Fund Road Improvements
[p]The California Senate approved a bill that will increase the price of gasoline and diesel in order to fund road repair projects and infrastructure improvements.[/p]
[p]The new bill passed by a 27–11 vote and only a signature by Gov. Jerry Brown is required before implementing the tax hike. This will be the first tax increase in California on gas in 23 years.[/p]
[p]The tax revenue is expected to generate $5.2 billion per year to help fund road projects.<strong> The new tax hikes will go into effect on Wednesday, November 1, 2017.</strong>[/p]
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[li]Gasoline Tax Hike – 12 cents per gallon increase[/li]
[li]Disesel Fuel Tax Hike – 20 cents per gallon increase[/li]
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[p]The tax hike is not expected to be incorporated all at once. In addition, the bill includes a $100 annual fee for electric cars and an increase in license and registration fees for automobiles in California depending on value. The fee increase will go into effect on January 1, 2018.[/p]
[h2] Compare Diesel Prices with Trucker Path [/h2]
[p] We can't prevent the tax increase on diesel but we can help you find locations with the lowest diesel prices. Use Trucker Path so you can compare and find the cheapest diesel fuel prices near you. Whether it's at truck stops or fuel stations, we have thousands of locations with accurate pricing so you can save (well, what you can). [/p]
[button-green href="https://truckerpath.com/trucker-path-app/diesel-station-near-me/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=cali_fueltax"]More About Trucker Path[/button-green]
[android-img src="/uploads/2017/04/Screenshot_20171029-074412-1.jpg" alt="deisel prices"]